Real or not Real, that is the question. Like it or not there are many fake Chanel earrings swimming around the internet, and even on E-bay. So how do you tell if your item is the real thing? Some pointers may help you clear up any questions in your mind.

First, Authentic Chanel Costume Earrings should only be made of base metals. Acceptable are rhodium, stainless steel, rhodium over steel. NEVER EVER does Chanel use precious metals (Gold, Platinum or Sterling) for their "Costume" or "Ready to Wear" or "Common" line  as they are referred to.

Precious metals and jewels are reserved for Chanel's boutique lines which include "Designer" "Mademoiselle", "Camellia", and "Coco" and "House" lines. These are extremely expensive pieces ranging from the $5000- to almost $1,000,000 mark and beyond for custom pieces.

Larger authentic Chanel  costume jewelry will have a stamp. Most earrings will not because they are too small, so you have to determine by quality the authenticity. Pierced earrings tend to have plastic disc metal backs, and hoops have clasps, so they do not fall out of your ear.

The other thing to keep in mind is considering aspects of the items themselves. If you are purchasing earrings for example are the backs double-forged? The stones should not come loose or fall out. The metal should feel solid and not like tin. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY A BOX, TAG OR SERIAL NUMBER. Many fakes come in real looking boxes (they are all usually black with gold or white writing). Many fakes come in good fake boxes but are in fact, POORLY MADE REPLICAS. Chanel uses black with white writing and also a midnight blue box which I have never seen faked.

Probably the most important question of all is the length of time a seller has been in business and the overall feedback. Also, does the seller offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied? Does the seller offer any warranty of replacement? Does the seller have good feedback? Before you spend your money, these things should be answered to your satisfaction. If they are not, please do not bid.

ALL OF THESE EARRINGS ARE FAKE